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References to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments have been removed from his display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the latest apparent shift at the nation’s premier museum complex as Trump asserts greater influence over how U.S. history is publicly presented.
The wall text summarizing Trump’s first presidency — including his impeachments — was taken down from the gallery’s “America’s Presidents” exhibition, where sitting presidents are typically represented by photographs accompanied by biographical context. As of Sunday, Trump’s display featured a new photograph but no extended text, making him the only president in the gallery without a detailed description.
The Smithsonian did not say whether the White House requested the change, and the White House declined to comment on whether it played any role. The Smithsonian said in a statement that the gallery is undergoing a planned update this spring and is experimenting with displays that include only basic identifying information, such as the artist’s name.
The removed text, which remains available online, noted Trump’s Supreme Court appointments, his administration’s role in developing COVID-19 vaccines, and concluded: “Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials.” It also referenced Trump’s 2024 election victory and noted he is the only president besides Grover Cleveland to serve nonconsecutive terms.
The new photograph shows Trump leaning over his Oval Office desk with a furrowed brow. It was taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok and is accompanied only by medallions identifying Trump as the 45th and 47th president.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle praised the updated display, saying it ensures Trump’s “unmatched aura” will be felt throughout the gallery. He did not respond to questions about whether Trump or his aides sought changes to the portrait label.
Broader effort to reshape historical presentation
The change comes after Trump ordered Smithsonian officials last summer to review museum exhibits ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4. The administration said the effort was intended to promote “American exceptionalism,” remove what it described as partisan narratives, and restore public trust in cultural institutions.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Smithsonian and other museums for how they present slavery and race in American history. He has also taken steps to reshape how he and his political rivals are depicted by federal institutions.
Earlier this year, Trump dismissed the head archivist of the National Archives and said he was firing National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet as part of a broader overhaul. Sajet initially retained the support of the Smithsonian’s governing board but later resigned.
At the White House, Trump has installed a highly personalized “Presidential Walk of Fame,” featuring gilded photographs and plaques describing presidential tenures. Trump’s own plaques praise his presidency, while President Joe Biden is represented by an autopen and a sharply critical description. The White House previously acknowledged that Trump was a primary author of those plaques.
Other impeachment references remain
The Smithsonian noted that references to other presidential impeachments and scandals remain intact. Portrait labels for Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton continue to reference their impeachments, and Richard Nixon’s resignation over the Watergate scandal is still included.
“The history of presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums,” the Smithsonian said, citing exhibits at the National Museum of American History.
For now, however, Trump’s impeachment history is absent from the walls of the National Portrait Gallery — even as it remains part of the historical record elsewhere within the Smithsonian.
